Massive Highway Pile-Up in Central Japan Claims Lives and Injures Many

A catastrophic traffic incident on a central Japan highway has resulted in the tragic loss of two lives, with 26 others sustaining injuries. This alarming pile-up, involving more than 50 vehicles, drew immediate police attention and led to a harrowing scene.

The Incident

The chaos was triggered by a collision between two trucks, sparking a series of collisions that resulted in at least 10 vehicles bursting into flames, according to local law enforcement. Among the deceased is a 77-year-old woman from Tokyo, alongside another body found inside a scorched truck’s driver seat. Authorities reported that five individuals were seriously hurt, while 21 others experienced minor injuries.

Weather Conditions

At the time of the accident, a heavy snow warning was in effect, leading police to suspect that icy road conditions contributed to the trucks losing control. The incident took place on the Kan-etsu Expressway in Minakami, Gunma Prefecture, approximately 160 kilometers (100 miles) northwest of Tokyo, around 19:30 local time (10:30 GMT) on December 26.

Fire and Aftermath

Emergency crews faced significant challenges, taking nearly seven and a half hours to extinguish the raging inferno. Following the incident, a segment of the highway was closed, leaving a long line of vehicles, many extensively damaged, stranded in the outbound lane. Efforts are currently underway to tow the wreckage away.

Eyewitness Accounts

A man in his 60s, who was caught up in the pile-up, recounted hearing a loud explosion preceding the flames. He shared that the fire quickly spread to surrounding vehicles, creating a chaotic and frightening scene. He described being evacuated to a nearby toll gate along with around 50 other individuals, where they spent the night in the hallway.

Future Precautions

The operator of the highway, Nexco, indicated that inspections are necessary to determine if the roadway sustained damage from the fire. They are advising travelers to avoid using the highway for the time being.

Conclusion

This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by winter weather conditions on roadways. As authorities continue to assess the situation, the community is left to mourn the loss of life and hope for a swift recovery for those injured.